How Much Sand for a Paver Base?

The bedding sand layer under pavers should be exactly 1 inch deep. Here is how much sand you need for any patio or walkway size — in bags, cubic yards, and tons.

The quick formula (1 inch bedding sand)

Cu yd = Length (ft) × Width (ft) ÷ 324

50 lb bags = Cu yd × 54 (50 lb bag = 0.50 cu ft)

Paver sand by patio size (at 1 inch deep)

Patio size	Sq ft	Cu yards	50 lb bags	Tons
8 × 10 ft	80 sq ft	0.25	14 bags	0.33
10 × 10 ft	100 sq ft	0.31	17 bags	0.42
10 × 12 ft	120 sq ft	0.37	21 bags	0.50
12 × 16 ft	192 sq ft	0.59	33 bags	0.80
16 × 20 ft	320 sq ft	0.99	54 bags	1.34
20 × 20 ft	400 sq ft	1.23	68 bags	1.67

Complete paver base: gravel + sand

A proper paver installation needs both gravel base and sand bedding:

Layer	Depth	Purpose
Compacted gravel (crushed stone)	4–6 inches	Structural base, drainage
Bedding sand (coarse/concrete sand)	1 inch	Leveling only
Pavers	varies	Surface

For the gravel layer, use the Gravel Calculator — a 10×12 ft patio at 4” deep needs about 1.5 tons.

Why only 1 inch of sand?

Thicker sand beds compress unevenly when loaded, causing pavers to sink and become unlevel. The 1-inch rule ensures the sand can be screeded flat and holds its shape under the pavers. The gravel base, not the sand, provides the structural support.

Use the Sand Calculator for your exact patio dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sand do I need for a paver base?

The standard bedding sand layer under pavers is 1 inch deep. For a 10×12 ft patio (120 sq ft), you need 0.37 cubic yards or about 0.50 tons of paver sand, which is 21 bags of 50 lb sand.

What type of sand goes under pavers?

Use coarse concrete sand (also called sharp sand or paver sand) for the bedding layer. Do not use fine play sand or polymeric sand for the base — they are too fine and will not provide a stable, level surface.

How deep should the sand layer be for pavers?

The bedding sand layer should be exactly 1 inch (25 mm) deep — no more. Thicker sand beds are unstable and cause pavers to shift. The bulk of your base should be compacted gravel, not sand.

Do I need gravel under the sand for pavers?

Yes. A proper paver base is: 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base, then 1 inch of bedding sand, then the pavers. The sand is for leveling only — the gravel provides the actual support.

How many 50 lb bags of paver sand per square foot?

At 1 inch deep, you need about 1 bag of 50 lb paver sand per 6 sq ft. For a 100 sq ft patio: 100 ÷ 6 = 17 bags.